An 11-year-old boy was attacked by a shark at Cocoa Beach, airlifted to Orlando for treatment

After wading around in waist-deep water Sunday afternoon, June 7th, an 11-year-old boy from Winter Springs, Florida was bitten by a shark at Cocoa Beach.

The boy, Lucas Vertullo, was bitten on the right calf at around 11 a.m. by what authorities believe was a juvenile bull shark.

Luckily, the incident happened directly in front of a lifeguard tower. After noticing the boy struggle in the water, lifeguards pulled him to shore where he was then rushed to Cape Canaveral Hospital and later airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.

According to CNN, the beach was closed for about an hour after the attack.

The boy's parent's released photos and a statement Monday morning toFlorida Today. "We are so humbled by the thoughts and prayers everyone is offering for Lucas and our family. Lucas is recovering from his injuries and is in good spirit," said parents Mike and Heather Vertullo.

"We are deeply thankful for the wonderful care and attention our son has received from Brevard County Ocean Rescue, Brevard County Fire Rescue, the emergency department and critical care team at Arnold Palmer Hospital, and our friends and family. We wish to maintain our privacy during this difficult time as our focus at the moment is to ensure Lucas continues to improve."